4 Star – Page 32 – Books-n-Kisses

February 28, 2018February 27, 2018

Kimberly reviews One More Promise by Samantha Chase

TITLE: One More Promise
SERIES #: Band On The Run #2
CHARACTERS: Paige & Dylan
AUTHOR: Samantha Chase
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/06/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ambitious Paige Walters is ecstatic when she’s hired to recruit musicians for a literacy campaign—it’s her chance to prove she’s got the chops to make it in the family business. She certainly isn’t going to let some fallen idol screw it up. But as the work brings Paige and Dylan closer together, their attraction grows…and so do their challenges…

REVIEW:
Cute story. The thing about this story it is a true romance. Not much action or adventures but just plain couple based and life based angst.

Paige is trying to prove herself to her father and her family. Dylan is a recovering alcoholic who needs to get his life back on track. They are perfect for each other and you can tell it from the first moment they meet.

The characters are very well written. They seemed like they could be based on real people. The background characters are interesting and I can’t wait to read the next in the series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

February 26, 2018February 25, 2018

Kimberly reviews Survive The Night by Katie Ruggle

TITLE: Survive The Night
SERIES #: Rocky Mountain K9 Unit #3
CHARACTERS: Otto & Sarah
AUTHOR: Katie Ruggle
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/06/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s always been a haven:
For the lost. The sick. The injured.
But when a hunted woman takes shelter in his arms, this gentle giant swears he’ll do more than heal her battered spirit―he’ll defend her with his life.

K9 Officer Otto Gunnersen always had a soft spot for anyone in need. As Monroe’s very own Dr. Doolittle, he dedicates himself to rehabilitating the injured souls that cross his path―but for all his big heart, he’s never been in love.

Until he meets Sarah Clifton’s haunted eyes. Until he realizes he’ll do anything to save her.

All Sarah wants is to escape a life caught between ambitious crime families, but there’s no outrunning her past. Her power-mad brother would hunt her to the ends of the earth…but he’d never expect Sarah to fight back. With Otto and the whole of Monroe, Colorado by her side, Sarah’s finally ready to face whatever comes her way.

It’s time to take a stand.

REVIEW:
Another great read in the series. One of the things I enjoy in a series is background characters making cameos and this series has Mr. Espino. He helps women who need to “disappear” to find a place to go and it ends up being in Monroe, CO.

This romance is between Alice/Sarah and Otto. Of course we have met Otoo is previous books and I actually think he might have been one of my favorite background characters. There is just something about him. He is just so Alpha and has a heart of gold. Alice/Sarah is running from her horrible brother and Logan Jovanovich which is another character we have met throughout the series.

This is a great story and a great series with a lot of twist and turns and action but with sweet romance mixed in. Trust me this is a wonderful book but I suggest reading the others in the series first since there are so many recurring characters and storyline.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

February 20, 2018February 19, 2018

Kimberly reviews Never Let Go by Jill Sanders

TITLE: Never Let Go
SERIES #: Haven, Montana #2
CHARACTERS: Trent & Adrianna
AUTHOR: Jill Sanders
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/20/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Activist meets corporate in this sizzling romance by New York Times bestselling author Jill Sanders.
Trent McGowan has never been the guy who doesn’t get what he wants. He and his brothers are making a go of the oil business, and he’s always had a bit of a reputation with the ladies. Only lately, something’s been missing—something Trent never realized he needed…until he sees his childhood crush standing on the picket line, trying to destroy his company. And what happened to turn sweet Addy Collins into a sexy activist?
Environmentalist Adrianna Collins has returned to her hometown of Haven, Montana, on a mission to stop destructive oil mining. She never imagined that the corporate face on the other side of the protest line would be her lifelong crush. The Trent she remembers is better known for flirting than, uh, fracking, and she can’t believe he’d risk his city to make a quick buck.
Now Trent’s determined to prove that he’s not the person she thinks he is. If he can earn Addy’s trust, he might be able to save his company—and bring Addy home for good.

REVIEW:
I really enjoy the writing of Jill Sanders. I thought this story was sweet, heartfelt and had some real “ah ha” moments… at least for me.

This is the second in the series and while each books romance can be a stand alone there is a background story that continues throughout the series.

I thought the characters were very real. They feel what a normal person would in the exact situation(s). I have enjoyed both books so far and look forward to #3. I think any fan of the romance with a bit of suspense would enjoy it too.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

February 8, 2018February 5, 2018

Kimberly reviews Highland Conquest by Alyson McLayne

TITLE: Highland Conquest
SERIES #: The Sons of Gregor MacLeod #2
CHARACTERS: Lachlan & Amber
AUTHOR: Alyson McLayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/06/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
HE WAS LOOKING FOR VENGEANCE

Laird Lachlan MacKay never planned on leading his clan, but when his older brother was murdered, he was left with no choice. His vow to avenge his brother has led him to the MacPherson clan—and their bewitching healer, Amber.

INSTEAD HE FOUND HER

Amber MacPherson is desperate. Dressed as a boy to escape her clan’s treacherous leader, she runs right into Lachlan—who orders her detained. At first she causes him nothing but frustration, especially when she blackmails him into helping her clan. But when she’s threatened by the same man who murdered his brother, Lachlan will do whatever it takes to keep her safe—and by his side.

REVIEW:
After reading the first in the series I knew I would want to read them all. The Highlanders are well in a word… yummy! There is something about a Scottish Highlander. If you haven’t been a fan of the genre you will be after reading the first two books of this series.

What I enjoy about this series is the fact that the guys are alpha but the women are strong as well. In this case Amber is a healer. She is confident and willing to do anything to be free of the her captor. The guys are worth reading about as well.

Something about this genre is exciting and makes me want to hop a plane to check out the Scottish hills (and men).

You will not want to miss this story/series if you love the genre. And if you want to try out the genre for the first time this is a great book to make you a fan.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

January 29, 2018January 28, 2018

Kelly reviews The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

TITLE: The Wedding Date
CHARACTERS: Drew Nichols & Alexa Monroe
AUTHOR: Jasmine Guillory
PUBLICATION DATE: January 30, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A groomsman and his last-minute guest are about to discover if a fake date can go the distance in a fun and flirty debut novel.

Agreeing to go to a wedding with a guy she gets stuck with in an elevator is something Alexa Monroe wouldn’t normally do. But there’s something about Drew Nichols that’s too hard to resist.

On the eve of his ex’s wedding festivities, Drew is minus a plus one. Until a power outage strands him with the perfect candidate for a fake girlfriend…

After Alexa and Drew have more fun than they ever thought possible, Drew has to fly back to Los Angeles and his job as a pediatric surgeon, and Alexa heads home to Berkeley, where she’s the mayor’s chief of staff. Too bad they can’t stop thinking about the other…

They’re just two high-powered professionals on a collision course toward the long distance dating disaster of the century–or closing the gap between what they think they need and what they truly want.

REVIEW:
Alexa Monroe never would have thought that visiting her sister to celebrate would lead to being stuck in an elevator with an amazingly hot and funny man. A man that asks her to be his savior for the weekend by attending a wedding with him. Alexa takes a chance and steps out of her comfort zone and says yes.
Drew Nichols does not want to be here for the weekend. But he is the best man at the wedding and it would look really bad if he didn’t show up. Fate is on his side but getting him stuck in an elevator with one of the most beautiful women he has ever seen. Then a plan forms into his brain, he will ask this amazing women! And surprisingly she says Yes!!!
I am grateful that Berkley Publishing sent this super sweet book to review. I am not sure I would have picked this book up otherwise, it was not on my 2018 list to read. But I am very grateful because I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to more books from Ms. Guillory.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

January 23, 2018January 21, 2018

Kimberly reviews Sisters Like Us by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Sisters Like Us
SERIES #: Mischief Bay #4
CHARACTERS: Harper & Stacey
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/23/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The grass is always greener on your sister’s side of the fence…
Divorce left Harper Szymanski with a name no one can spell, a house she can’t afford and a teenage daughter who’s pulling away. With her fledgeling virtual-assistant business, she’s scrambling to maintain her overbearing mother’s ridiculous Susie Homemaker standards and still pay the bills, thanks to clients like Lucas, the annoying playboy cop who claims he hangs around for Harper’s fresh-baked cookies.
Spending half her life in school hasn’t prepared Dr. Stacey Bloom for her most daunting challenge—motherhood. She didn’t inherit the nurturing gene like Harper and is in deep denial that a baby is coming. Worse, her mother will be horrified to learn that Stacey’s husband plans to be a stay-at-home dad…assuming Stacey can first find the courage to tell Mom she’s already six months pregnant.
Separately they may be a mess, but together Harper and Stacey can survive anything—their indomitable mother, overwhelming maternity stores and ex’s weddings. Sisters Like Us is a delightful look at sisters, mothers and daughters in today’s fast-paced world, told with Susan Mallery’s trademark warmth and humor.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts To me Susan Mallery is contemporary romance’s Mary Poppins. She is practically perfect in every way. What is not to love about her stories? Nothing!
This is a book about family and the dynamics that we all face when family is involved. I also thought that it helped me to remember everyone is going through something even if others do not know it,
The characters are funny, light hearted and complex. They deal with every emotion possible and still manage to stay together as a family in the end.
Mallery is one of the best but I would suggest reading the full series before this book. She has moved beyond just the 3 she planned on but it is helpful to have the back story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

January 17, 2018January 15, 2018

Kelly reviews Cherish Hard by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Cherish Hard
SERIES #: Hard Play #1
CHARACTERS: Sailor Bishop & Ísa Rain
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
PUBLICATION DATE: November 14, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh kicks off her new Hard Play contemporary romance series with a sizzling story that’ll leave you smiling…
Sailor Bishop has only one goal for his future – to create a successful landscaping business. No distractions allowed. Then he comes face-to-face and lips-to-lips with a woman who blushes like an innocent… and kisses like pure sin.
Ísa Rain craves a man who will cherish her, aches to create a loving family of her own. Trading steamy kisses with a hot gardener in a parking lot? Not the way to true love. Then a deal with the devil (aka her CEO-mother) makes Ísa a corporate VP for the summer. Her main task? Working closely with a certain hot gardener.
And Sailor Bishop has wickedness on his mind.
As Ísa starts to fall for a man who makes her want to throttle and pounce on him at the same time, she knows she has to choose – play it safe and steady, or risk all her dreams and hope Sailor doesn’t destroy her heart.

REVIEW:
Sailor is determined to prove to himself and his family that he is nothing like his father. He will work himself to the bone and won’t let anything get in the way of his plan. But when he is approached by a beautiful redhead in the school parking lot and she kisses him silly, Sailor starts to think there might be room for more than just work. It is not until after she runs away that Sailor realizes that that was the woman who has been haunting his dreams for the last seven years. Thank goodness he is a patient man and knows where she works because he plans on picking up where they left off.
Both Sailor and Ísa are sweet and determine. They bring out the best in each other and show each other that sometimes love isn’t hard if you don’t fight it. I really enjoyed Cherish Hard and I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & The Knight Agency in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

January 16, 2018January 15, 2018

Kimberly reviews City Of Endless Night by Preston & Child

TITLE: City Of Endless Night
SERIES #: Pendergast #17
CHARACTERS: Vincent D’Agosta & Pendergast
AUTHOR: Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/16/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
What begins as a manhunt for the missing daughter of a wealthy tech billionaire becomes something altogether different when the young woman’s body is discovered in an abandoned warehouse in Kew Gardens, Queens, the head nowhere to be found. It appears there may be two killers on the loose–one responsible for the young woman’s death, another responsible for the mutilation. A pair of such dastardly killers requires a team of equally talented investigators. Luckily, both Vincent D’Agosta and Special Agent Pendergast are back in town.
D’Agosta hopes that working a case back on his home turf for the first time in years will reinvigorate the FBI Special Agent and give him an opportunity to flex his investigative might. But neither is prepared to face a killer–or killers–as diabolical as this. It will take all of Pendergast and D’Agosta’s intelligence and strength simply to match wits–let alone stay alive.

REVIEW:
Imagine a modern day Sherlock Holmes with issues galore. That is who Pendergast is to me. He can see things that others can’t and he is so intelligent but he has so many issues that it is a wonder he can put his shoes on the right feet.
This book is not on the top of the list of this series but it is a good one. Pendergast is vulnerable is this story which is refreshing. He is always the smartest one in the room so to see him at this stage is odd and yet interesting.
This series is a winner and it has stood the test since this is the 17th in the series. I will say after so many books you really shouldn’t start with this one because you need to understand Pendergast from the beginning. But you won’t regret starting this series.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

January 12, 2018January 7, 2018

Kelly reviews Squirrel On The Train by Kevin Hearne

TITLE: Squirrel on the Train
SERIES #: Oberon’s Meaty Mysteries #2
CHARACTERS: Oberon, Orlaith, Starbuck and Atticus
AUTHOR: Kevin Hearne
NARRATOR: Luke Daniels
RUN TIME: 2 Hours & 54 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: November 30, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Oberon the Irish wolfhound is off to Portland to smell all the things with canine companions wolfhound Orlaith and Boston terrier Starbuck, and, of course, his human, ancient Druid Atticus O’Sullivan. The first complication is an unmistakable sign of sinister agendas afoot: a squirrel atop the train. But an even more ominous situation is in store when the trio plus Atticus stumble across a murder upon arrival at the station. They recognize Detective Gabriela Ibarra, who’s there to investigate. But they also recognize the body—or rather that the body is a doppelganger for Atticus himself. The police, hampered by human senses of smell and a decided lack of canine intuition, obviously can’t handle this alone. Not with Atticus likely in danger. Oberon knows it’s time to investigate once more-—for justice! For gravy! And possibly greasy tacos!

Alongside his faithful Druid, Oberon and the other loyal hounds navigate by nose through Portland to find a bear-shifter friend with intel, delicious clues at the victim’s home, and more squirrels. Always more squirrels!

But will our hungry band of heroes be able to identify the culprit before someone else is murdered? Will there be mystery meat in gravy as a reward or tragedy in store for the world’s (or at least the Pacific Northwest’s) greatest dog detective.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Another fun adventure with Oberon, Orlaith, Starbuck and Atticus. Squirrel on the Train takes us back to Portland for a grand adventure that takes an unexpected turn in the form of a murder. But never fear detective Oberon is on the case!! We get to travel from Portland to Eugene back to Portland again before we solve the mystery. We also get a lesson on why squirrels are so evil.
This was a fun quick listen with the help of the amazingly talented Luke Daniels. I always enjoy having Luke read Kevin’s stories to me. I am looking forward to the next installment by Kevin and narrated by Luke!!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Subterranean Press in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

January 11, 2018January 7, 2018

Kelly reviews A Merciful Secret by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: A Merciful Secret
SERIES #: Mercy Kilpatrick #3
CHARACTERS: Mercy Kilpatrick & Truman Daly
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: January 16, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A pair of ritual murders could expose Mercy Kilpatrick to something terrifying: her own past…
Raised off the grid by survivalists, Mercy Kilpatrick believed in no greater safeguard than the backwoods of Oregon. Unforgiven by her father for abandoning the fold for the FBI, Mercy still holds to her past convictions. They’re in her blood. They’re her secrets—as guarded as her private survival retreat hidden away in the foothills.
In a cabin near her hideaway, Mercy encounters a young girl whose grandmother is dying from multiple knife wounds. Hundreds of miles away, a body is discovered slashed to death in a similar way. The victims—a city judge and an old woman living in the woods—couldn’t be more different. With the help of police chief Truman Daly, Mercy must find the killer before the body count rises. Mercy knows that the past has an edge on her. So does her family. How can she keep her secrets now…when they’re the only things that can save her?

REVIEW:
Again I find myself immersed in the world of Mercy Kilpatrick. In A Merciful Secret Mercy finds herself the first person on the scene of a vicious knife attack that turns into a murder investigation.
But that is not the only murder that the small town of Eagle’s Nest has to deal with, one of the local resident’s father has also been killed up in the big city of Portland. The only connection between these two murders is that both are very similar in method.
But neither Mercy or Truman were prepared for the wild ride that these two murders were going to take them on. When all the questions are answered someone’s hopes and dream will go up in flame.
Another wonderful book from Mrs. Elliot! I always love picking up a copy of her books. I really enjoyed seeing the connection between Mercy and Truman grow. These two are so perfect together and can work through anything as long as they are together!
I can’t wait to see what is next in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

January 8, 2018January 7, 2018

Kelly reviews Private by James Patterson

TITLE: Private
SERIES #: Private #1
CHARACTERS: Jack Morgan
AUTHOR: James Patterson
NARRATOR: Peter Hermann
RUN TIME: 7 Hours & 3 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: July 28, 2010
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The police can’t help you….
Former Marine helicopter pilot Jack Morgan runs Private, a renowned investigation company with branches around the globe. It is where you go when you need maximum force and maximum discretion. The secrets of the most influential men and women on the planet come to Jack daily – and his staff of investigators uses the world’s most advanced forensic tools to make and break their cases.
The press will destroy you….
Jack is already deep into the investigation of a multi-million dollar NFL gambling scandal and the unsolved slayings of 18 schoolgirls when he learns of a horrific murder close to home: his best friend’s wife, Jack’s former lover, has been killed. It nearly pushes him over the edge. Instead, Jack pushes back and devotes all of Private’s resources to tracking down her killer.
Only one place to turn: Private….
But Jack doesn’t have to play by the rules. As he closes in on the killer and chooses between revenge and justice, Morgan has to navigate a workplace love affair that threatens to blow the roof off his plans. With a plot that moves at death-defying speeds, Private is James Patterson’s sleekest, most exciting thriller ever.

REVIEW:
Private is a private investigation service that deals with high end famous people and secrets. Private is owned by Jack Morgan and ex-Marine who is waging his own wars while trying to fight off everyone else’s demons. Jack finds himself and his team with three major cases to solve. One involving one of his best friends, one involving his uncle and one case that has been dragging on for over two years. Jack also has to deal with this evil twin.

There was a lot going on in this story! Not only do we have 3 crimes to solve with have Jack’s brother throwing shade the whole book and then there is Jack’s love life. So a lot going on. But I thought that Mr. Patterson did a good job of balancing each storyline while keeping us wondering until the end.

Peter Hermann does a good job narrating this book. I am not completely wild about his female voices but overall it was good.

This is my first James Patterson book. I know, I know!! I have been living under a rock. But never fear!! I really enjoyed Private and I plan on listening to the next book in this series.

Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book from Audible.com in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

January 5, 2018January 2, 2018

Kimberly reviews Every Dog Has His Day by Jenn McKinlay

TITLE: Every Dog Has His Day
SERIES #: Bluff Point #3
CHARACTERS: Zachary & Jessie
AUTHOR: Jenn McKinlay
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/02/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A stray kitten and a rambunctious poodle bring together a small-town bachelor and a single mother in the latest romance set in Bluff Point, Maine.

Bluff Point brewery owner Zachary Caine wants nothing to do with commitment. His wild bachelor lifestyle suits him perfectly—until a foster kitten named Chaos makes him a reluctant hero. Now he’s BFFs with the kitten’s two little girls and finds himself falling for their gorgeous mother, who couldn’t think less of him.

Divorced mother Jessie Connelly wants nothing to do with men like Zach. He’s sexy and charismatic and bad news, just like her ex. But her girls adore him, and he’s doing a good job filling in for their deadbeat dad. Then a snowstorm brings out the best in both neighbors, who, it turns out, have more in common than their mutual attraction…

So when Jessie’s past threatens her and her girls, Zach is determined to do whatever it takes to protect them—and live happily ever after with this family he has made his own.

REVIEW:
This is the third in the series but the first one that I have read. This is an adorable story that has charm and charisma to spare. Jessie is a great character. She is “real” with issues that most women have. I loved her. Zach is a sweet guy who falls pretty quick for Jessie and her two little girls.

The story is very sweet and has a good lesson on the importance of family.

I will be heading back to read the first two in the series. Very enjoyable.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.